Cold case: The murder of Matthew Gilbert Hamill

The body of Matthew Gilbert Hamill, 42, was found on East Barbara Lane in the bushes behind Coast Hardware on January 26, 2001. Hamill died of "injuries consistent with an assault," according to police reports at the time. His murder is the only unsolved homicide committed within the Willits city limits in a generation.

Hamill lived as a member of the homeless community and while officers investigating the homicide believed he died at the hands of another member of that community they never found sufficient evidence for an arrest.

Authorities were unable to locate Hamill's next of kin. The Willits religious community rallied together to hold a memorial service and burial for him.

Anyone with information about this cold case should contact Willits police at 459-6122.